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West Burlington Schools Hire New Superintendent

Courtesy - The Journal-Eureka
Lisa Beames will be the new superintendent of the West Burlington School District

The West Burlington School District has a new leader. The school board agreed to hire Lisa Beames as Superintendent effective July 1st.

Beames most recently served as Superintendent of the Anamosa (Ia) School District. She previously held the same role with the Van Buren (Ia) School District and worked in the New London (Ia) School District.

West Burlington School Board President Andy Crowner said 16 people applied for the post. He said Beames stood out from the rest of the candidates during the interview process.

“Lisa was very impressive in her interviews,” said Crowner. “She knew every number from all of the financial side of our district. She knew our classes, our teachers. She had really done her homework. That coupled with her experience and her general knowledge of education. I think she will be a great leader for the district.”

Crowner said the district and Beames agreed on a 2-year contract with a base salary of $135,000 plus benefits.

“We left the room the night of the decision really staying we really think we have an all-star here in Lisa,” said Crowner. “We think she will be great for the district so we decided to run with it.”

Beames replaces Dave Schmitt, who resigned abruptly several months ago citing health issues. Ken Marang (former Fort Madison superintendent) has been filling in on an interim basis.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.